The airline signed a letter of intent (LOI) during the International Paris Air Show. The LOI includes 25 Q400 turboprops and purchase rights on an additional 25 aircraft. This would be the single biggest order for the Q400.

“I am delighted to announce this new order for 50 Q400 planes. SpiceJet operates India’s largest regional fleet and is the only organized operator in this space. This order will help us further increase connectivity to smaller towns and cities and help realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ensuring that every Indian can fly,” said Ajay Singh, chairman and managing director, SpiceJet. “Our passengers will be able to fly to more cities and help expand India’s already booming aviation market.”

“I congratulate SpiceJet on this new order for 50 Q400 planes. This latest aircraft order by SpiceJet, which has been an enthusiastic supporter and participant of India’s regional connectivity scheme, will help further take forward the government’s vision to provide air connectivity to the common man. It is also a testament to the huge demand for air travel in the smaller towns and cities of India,” said RN Choubey, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation.

“We are proud to sign this agreement as it is another demonstration of the Q400’s superiority in the turboprop market. When finalized, the repeat order will increase the Q400 aircraft fleet in the fast-growing market in the Asia-Pacific region and will launch the high-density 86-passenger model of the Q400 aircraft in India,” said Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “This is also compelling evidence that the demand for turboprop aircraft is healthy in short-to medium-haul markets that can’t economically support jets that are more expensive to operate.”

SpiceJet operates a fleet of 35 Next-Generation 737s and 20 Bombardier Q400s. Since 2010, SpiceJet has taken delivery of 15 Q400 aircraft. The airline at present operates 20 Q400 aircraft in a 78-seat configuration to domestic and international destinations. When completed, this fleet expansion will offer SpiceJet the ability to expand profitably and leverage the robust demand forecast in the world’s fastest growing regional aviation market.

Bombardier’s Q Series turboprops and CRJ Series regional jets have made major advances in the Asia-Pacific region where around 190 aircraft – including more than 165 Q Series turboprops — are in service with or on order by over 25 customers and operators. Bombardier has recorded firm orders for a total of 585 Q400 aircraft.